The article contrasts it with a manufacturing process known as “shark skin.” I wonder if it’s entirely identical to the skin of a shark or a marketing term?

Sorry the article is paywalled and I reacted to the comment about sanded surfaces. I remember seeing documentation or other nature documentation’s about the shark skin effect. I had the chance to touch a shark and a ray in an aquarium but never felt the shark skin foil. I assume the properties would be the same though.